Scientists at the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) discovered the presence of a benign nail abnormality known as onychopapilloma. Apart from the colored bands, it also comes with thickening of the nail as well as color changes and thickening at the end of the nail.
He said this could lead to the diagnosis of a rare hereditary disorder, known as BAP tumor predisposition syndrome, which increases the risk of developing cancerous tumors.
The findings, published in the journal JAM Dermatology, showed that mutations in the BAP1 gene drive this syndrome, "which normally works to suppress tumors along with other functions."
This condition usually affects only one nail. However, in a study of 4 individuals with BAP1 syndrome from 35 families, approximately 88 percent presented onychopapilloma tumors in multiple nails.
Edward Cowen, chief of dermatology consultation services at NIH's Nation Institute, said, "This finding is rarely seen in the general population, and we believe that the presence of nail changes that suggest onychopapilloma on multiple nails ", should immediately consider a diagnosis of BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome." Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS).
The team suggested that nail screening may be particularly valuable in a patient with a personal or family history of melanoma or other potentially BAP1-associated malignancy.
He said this could lead to the diagnosis of a rare hereditary disorder, known as BAP tumor predisposition syndrome, which increases the risk of developing cancerous tumors.
The findings, published in the journal JAM Dermatology, showed that mutations in the BAP1 gene drive this syndrome, "which normally works to suppress tumors along with other functions."
This condition usually affects only one nail. However, in a study of 4 individuals with BAP1 syndrome from 35 families, approximately 88 percent presented onychopapilloma tumors in multiple nails.
Edward Cowen, chief of dermatology consultation services at NIH's Nation Institute, said, "This finding is rarely seen in the general population, and we believe that the presence of nail changes that suggest onychopapilloma on multiple nails ", should immediately consider a diagnosis of BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome." Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS).
The team suggested that nail screening may be particularly valuable in a patient with a personal or family history of melanoma or other potentially BAP1-associated malignancy.
